Choosing Light

This book is a gentle and creative guide that supports the reader through their grief journey. Through the practice of mindful photography and reflection on self-made images, one learns to face grief and create meaning from their experience.

Jessica Thomas, PhD, MS, is a professor at Lewis & Clark College, clinical supervisor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, therapist, grief educator, and organizational consultant. Jessica has served on the not-for-profit board of the NW Association for Death Education and Bereavement Support for over eight years. She has been a hospice volunteer and a proud volunteer and advocate for Death Cafes, working to increase awareness of death and dying in the greater community. She offers both professional and community workshops, presentations, and talks on death and grief, transpersonal psychology, and the Within and Without therapeutic method. Some of Jessica's favorite projects involve consulting with organizations and developing death and grief education, as well as facilitating creative training sessions and meaningful group practices. More information can be found on her website: https://drjessicathomas.com/

Foreword by Ji Hyang Padma Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Reflecting on Death, Grief, and Loss Anticipatory Grief Complicated Grief Preparedness Notes Chapter 2: Expanding Awareness Mindfulness Aesthetic Perception Creative Expression Notes Chapter 3: Open Your Eyes. Open Your Heart. Mindful Photography Photography, Death, and Dying Developing Your Practice Notes Chapter 4: Within and Without Magnificence and Insignificance (Anticipatory Grief) Veil of Grief (Bereavement Grief) Feeling Cared For (Grief with Life-Threatening Illness) Mind and Spirit Free at Last (Lingering Grief) Chapter 5: Choosing Light Meaning-Making Symbolism Photographic Equivalence Notes Chapter 6: Transformative Growth Befriending Grief Continuing Bonds Sacred Outlook Notes Chapter 7: Therapeutic Photography Healing Ritual Reflection Groups Healing In Communion Notes Conclusion Note Resources References Index About the Author